Social | International Program in Medicine

Dance, food, village life: if you’re in Crete this August, do yourself a favour and go to a glenti. 💃🎻

A glenti is more than a village festival—it’s one of the best ways to experience authentic Cretan culture.
Throughout August, villages across the island come alive with live music, traditional dancing, incredible local food and tables full of people who are always happy to welcome one more guest.
You don’t need to know the steps. You don’t need to speak Greek. Just bring your appetite, your curiosity, and a willingness to join in.
By the end of the night, you might be dancing a pentozali with complete strangers who suddenly feel like old friends.

Find out where all the glentia of the summer are happening in Crete and enjoy!

📸 this photo was taken by amazing @elena.katti 🙏 🙏 during the @festival.hameziou last summer!

#UniversityOfCrete #StudyInCrete #CretanCulture #Glenti #LifeInCrete StudentLife VisitCrete SummerInCrete InternationalStudents

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Dance, food, village life: if you’re in Crete this August, do yourself a favour and...

Why does studying in Crete feel different?
*Because medicine is only part of the experience

✨You start your day with a lecture…
and end it watching the sun set over the Mediterranean.

✨Wild, beautiful and vibrant.
Crete is one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands where nature, history and student life come together.

✨People from over 30 countries meet here.
And some of them will become your lifelong friends.

✨Living the Cretan way.
You’ll discover that living on Crete means slowing down just enough to enjoy the journey.

✨A walk through the olive groves. A coffee after class.
A swim before dinner. A hike at the tallest mountain. Sometimes it’s the little moments that shape your university years.

✨Be here. Travel everywhere.
Take your studies abroad through 600+ Erasmus+ and international partnerships.

✨Meet the locals.
Dance in a circle. Discover the island’s thousand old history. Learn by chatting in the kafeneio.

✨Great challenges. Amazing academia.
The inspiring academics who choose to live in Crete, believe that curiosity is just as important as knowledge.

✨Research is in our DNA
World-class researchers are part of the University of Crete which values innovation and discovery.

✨Some universities give you a degree.
The University of Crete will give you a place you’ll never forget.

#UniversityOfCrete #StudyInCrete #StudentLife #InternationalStudents #StudyInGreece

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Why does studying in Crete feel different?
*Because medicine is only part of the experience...

Learning by doing at the Suturing Workshop 🩺✨🧵
Every year, medical students at the University of Crete have the opportunity to develop essential surgical skills through the annual Suturing Workshop, organised by HelMSIC under the scientific supervision of our professor Chris Tsitsipanis.

Held in the Anatomy Laboratory’s Dissection Hall, the workshop has been running for almost a decade, with experienced trainers from a range of surgical specialties guiding students through the fundamentals of wound closure and suturing techniques in a hands-on learning environment.

A big thank you to everyone involved in continuing this valuable tradition and helping prepare the next generation of doctors.

#HelMSIC #SuturingWorkshop #MedicalEducation #FutureDoctors #HandsOnLearning

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Learning by doing at the Suturing Workshop 🩺✨🧵
Every year, medical students at the University...

🌍 Join iMed to study alongside future doctors from 30 different countries!

Our students come from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Switzerland, Syria, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Zimbabwe, and many more, creating a diverse international community.

🫂Different cultures, perspectives and experiences come together in one classroom, creating an environment where you’ll learn just as much from your classmates as you do from your lecturers!
Develop the cultural competence that’s essential for today’s healthcare professionals.

🤲🏽 No matter where you’re from, you’ll find a welcoming, inclusive community where you can thrive—both academically and personally. At one of the world’s most inspiring study destinations: Crete, Greece.

#UniversityOfCrete #InternationalStudents #StudyMedicine #GlobalCommunity #FutureDoctors StudyInGreece

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🌍 Join iMed to study alongside future doctors from 30 different countries!

Our students come...

Congratulations to Professor Elena Drakonaki 👏

She has just been appointed President of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)—one of Europe’s leading scientific organisations in the field of radiology.
Her appointment is a testament to her contributions to research, education, and clinical practice and reflects the international impact of her work. She is also only the fourth woman to hold this position since the Society was founded in 1995.
We warmly congratulate Professor Drakonaki on this remarkable achievement and wish her every success in her new role.

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Congratulations to Professor Elena Drakonaki 👏

She has just been appointed President of the European...

Meet our professor, Chris Tsitsipanis.

🔸I am an Assistant Professor of Anatomy, with an emphasis on Neuroanatomy, at the School of Medicine, University of Crete, and a neurosurgeon at the University General Hospital of Heraklion. I teach Neuroanatomy, Neurosurgery, and Clinical Ethics, combining basic science with clinical practice and a patient-centered, evidence-based approach to medicine. My postgraduate training includes Neuroscience, Disaster Medicine and Health-Crisis Management, and Emergencies and Intensive Care, complemented by advanced training at the Medical University of Innsbruck, the University of Verona, and Universidad Miguel Hernández.

🔸Beyond academic knowledge, I aim to help students develop curiosity, empathy, humility, and critical thinking. I encourage them to seek knowledge from many sources and different schools of thought, while remaining aware of their own biases and willing to question their assumptions. I strongly believe in student-centered education, where teachers and students form a dynamic partnership and learn from one another.

🔸Medicine should always be approached holistically, bearing in mind that true care means supporting not only the physical health of patients, but also their psychological and social well-being. Above all, I believe that scientific rigor, continuous self-reflection, and strong bioethical principles form the foundation of both good science and good medicine. For me, neuroscience and neurosurgery are not only medical disciplines, but also a way to better understand ourselves, other people, and our place in nature.

🔸The strongest asset of the iMed Program is its unique combination of academic quality and the exceptional quality of life in Crete. Its faculty members are distinguished scientists and educators with internationally recognized expertise, committed to delivering education of the highest standard. Beyond academic instruction, they serve as dedicated mentors, fostering an environment in which students can develop both intellectually and personally.

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Meet our professor, Chris Tsitsipanis.

🔸I am an Assistant Professor of Anatomy, with an emphasis...

Great news for the University of Crete! 🌍

We’re proud to be ranked 1st in Greece for Quality Education for the fourth consecutive year in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, reflecting our continued commitment to providing an outstanding student experience.

The University of Crete is also ranked 1st in Greece for Medical and Health Sciences and placed in the 301–400 band worldwide, reaffirming the strength of our teaching and research in the health sciences.

In the overall Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, the University of Crete is ranked 2nd among Greek universities, placing in the 401–600 band worldwide among more than 1,600 universities.

These achievements reflect the collective efforts of our students, faculty, researchers, and staff, as well as our commitment to education, research, innovation, sustainability, and creating a positive impact on society.

Thank you to our students, faculty, researchers, and staff for making this achievement possible.

#UniversityOfCrete #THERankings #sustainability #highereducation #qualityeducation

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Great news for the University of Crete! 🌍

We’re proud to be ranked 1st in...

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The exams are over, and so is another chapter of this academic year.

To all...

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Plumbago auriculata, commonly known as the “blue jasmine”, is currently in full bloom, greeting our...

🌡 When temperatures climb, a few simple habits can make a big difference.

Drink water regularly, look for shade, and pay attention to how you’re feeling throughout the day.

🌞 A heatwave isn’t just uncomfortable, it puts extra stress on the body, especially when you’re spending long hours outdoors.

Look after yourself, and don’t hesitate to check in on a friend who may be struggling with the heat.

This summer, many European cities have been hit by heatwaves. As our students travel far and wide, here are a few “notices to mariners” – or rather, travellers – to help you stay safe in the heat.

Stay cool this summer🩵

#heatwave #uoc #imed #summer

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🌡 When temperatures climb, a few simple habits can make a big difference.

Drink water...

👩🏽‍⚕️🧑🏻‍⚕️Exams are only one part of the academic journey.

🩺The real work happened throughout the semester: attending lectures, asking questions, completing practicals, revising concepts, and continuing even on the days when motivation was low.

🍀As the exam period begins, we would like to wish all our students the very best of luck.

🤞🏻Trust your preparation, stay focused, and remember how much you have already accomplished.

You’ve already done more than you think!

#exams #medicalexams #medschool

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👩🏽‍⚕️🧑🏻‍⚕️Exams are only one part of the academic journey.

🩺The real work happened throughout the...

Meet our professor, Antonis Tatarakis.

🔸I was recently elected Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Epigenetics at the
School of Medicine of the University of Crete. After completing my BSc degree in Biology and MSc and PhD in Molecular Biology, I continued my research for more than a decade at Harvard Medical School before returning to Crete. My research explores how cells faithfully preserve and inherit their identity every time they divide, and how these fundamental genomic and epigenetic mechanisms shape development, health, and disease.

🔸Beyond academic knowledge, I would like to inspire curiosity, ambition, collaboration, and openness to different scientific fields. We are entering an era where biology, medicine, technology, and data science are becoming deeply interconnected and future doctors must feel comfortable thinking beyond traditional boundaries and continuously adapting to new knowledge. My goal is to foster an interdisciplinary mindset, where collaboration between the clinic and the laboratory becomes natural. For me, medicine is not only about treating disease, but also about questioning, discovering, and working together to improve human health.

🔸I believe the greatest asset of the iMed program is the diversity of people and global
experiences it brings together. Students interact directly with faculty trained in different
scientific fields and international academic environments, creating a truly modern and
interdisciplinary perspective on medicine. The program helps students understand not only what medicine is today, but also where biomedical science is heading in the future. At the same time, the environment at the School of Medicine nurtures meaningful interaction and mentorship, encouraging the curiosity, adaptability, and broad thinking that the next generation of doctors and scientists will need.

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Meet our professor, Antonis Tatarakis.

🔸I was recently elected Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and...

📚International Programme student Georgia-Maria Manteli delivered a seminar on English terminology in Clinical Neuroanatomy to around 80 medical students from the greek-taught programme.

🤝The session was part of an educational initiative focusing on key medical terminology and fostering collaboration between the two programmes.

👩‍⚕️An initiative that highlights student engagement and peer-to-peer learning in medical education.

👏Kudos to Georgia-Maria Manteli for the initiative and the excellent delivery!

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📚International Programme student Georgia-Maria Manteli delivered a seminar on English terminology in Clinical Neuroanatomy to...

🌍 Welcome to the University of Crete, through our Welcome Office.

👭This is Niki and Stella -two members of the Welcome Office’s team at the University of Crete. You will probably meet them in person and see their helpful smile, as soon as you begin your journey at the UoC. However, they will have assisted you with any bureaucratic paperwork and questions, way before you come to the island.

✈️ While moving to a new country to study is an exciting experience, it can also feel overwhelming at times. That’s where the Welcome Office comes in.

The University of Crete’s Welcome Office is one of the iMed programme’s strong assets. The team there is dedicated to helping international students, researchers, and visiting academics feel at home from day one. From accommodation guidance and administrative support to cultural activities, language opportunities, and everyday practical advice, the office is by your side, every step of the way.

🎉Because studying abroad should be about discovering new opportunities, building connections and enjoying the experience - not navigating it alone.

#UniversityOfCrete #WelcomeOffice #InternationalStudents #StudyInGreece

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🌍 Welcome to the University of Crete, through our Welcome Office.

👭This is Niki and...

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Ever wondered what a typical day looks like for a medical student in Crete?

Follow...

The next iMed class is almost complete! 🎉

The admissions and evaluation process for the 2026–27 academic year has now been finalised, and we are excited to welcome a new cohort of first-year students, this September.

👩‍⚕️🧑🏿‍⚕️👨🏼‍⚕️Our incoming class brings together talented future doctors from across the globe, reflecting the international spirit that lies at the heart of our programme and the University of Crete.

🎉We are looking forward to seeing a new academic journey begin here, on the island of Crete.

#IMed #UniversityOfCrete #FutureDoctors #MedicalEducation #InternationalStudents StudyMedicine

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The next iMed class is almost complete! 🎉

The admissions and evaluation process for the...

🌈June is worldwide Pride Month - a time to celebrate diversity, inclusion and the freedom to be yourself.

Pride began as a movement for equality and visibility, and today it reminds us of the importance of creating communities where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to belong.

☀️At the iMed Programme, we are proud to be part of an international community that brings together people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds. We believe that learning thrives when diverse perspectives are welcomed and every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

This Pride Month, we celebrate mutual respect and the richness that diversity brings to our university community 🌈

#PrideMonth #IMed #UniversityOfCrete #Diversity #Inclusion Belonging StudyMedicine

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🌈June is worldwide Pride Month - a time to celebrate diversity, inclusion and the freedom...

Meet our professor Marina Vidaki.

🔸I am an Assistant Professor of Cellular-Molecular Biology, at the School of Medicine, University of Crete. My academic journey started at the same University, where I studied Biology and completed my MSc and PhD studies on Molecular Biology and Developmental Neuroscience. I then moved to the USA, to do postdoctoral research on Neuronal Cell Biology at MIT. After almost 10 wonderful years it was time for me to return home and continue building my path through research and teaching, exactly where I started, at the University of Crete.

🔸As an educator, my goal is to cultivate holistic scientific and clinical mindsets in medical students, based on specific values. I aspire to instill into students a deep appreciation for the iterative nature of scientific discovery, and train them to question established paradigms rather than memorising facts. At the same time, I actively support students to smoothly transition into the local community, and maintain a balanced academic and social life.

🔸I strongly believe that happy, complete people, are better scientists and essentially better doctors.

Our program has some unique characteristics that set it apart from other programs. First of all, we only admit a small number of students each year, which allows us to
embrace each student individually, emphasising on their needs and the quality of their studies. Second, we have accomplished professors and academic staff that excel in scientific research, as well as clinical practice, and can thus offer students training at multiple levels of the medical science; from basic research, to translational
applications and patient care.

🔸Last, but not least, the School of Medicine is right in the heart of the University campus, and in walking distance from the University
Hospital, the School of Basic Sciences and the Foundation of Research and Technology, which includes multiple Institutes. This creates a dynamic academic
hub, in which our students can evolve and flourish.

…continued in the comments

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Meet our professor Marina Vidaki.

🔸I am an Assistant Professor of Cellular-Molecular Biology, at the...

Exam season often comes with the feeling that there is always one more chapter to read, one more page to revise, one more hour to stay awake.

In reality, effective studying is not always about spending more time at your desk.
Testing your knowledge, getting enough sleep, discussing difficult concepts with others, and taking purposeful breaks can make a meaningful difference in the way you learn and retain information.

As the examination period continues, here are four reminders that may help you study with greater focus and balance!

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Exam season often comes with the feeling that there is always one more chapter to...

Meet our professor Konstantina Chanoumidou

🔸I hold a BSc in Biology and a PhD in Stem Cell Biology and Neurobiology. I conducted postdoctoral research in Germany and Greece, focusing on pharmacology and translational neuroscience. Since 2026, I have served as Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at the Medical School of the University of Crete.

🔸My goal is to inspire students and spark their interest in medical research, while highlighting the value of solid scientific thinking. I would like to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, team spirit and an evidence-based way of understanding medicine, helping to actively contribute to future scientific progress.

🔸Teaching faculty excellence and small class sizes that allow close interaction between students and faculty, fostering an engaging learning environment.

🔸Traveling, reading and spending time in nature with my daughter help me recharge!

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Meet our professor Konstantina Chanoumidou

🔸I hold a BSc in Biology and a PhD in...

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